The Union Church of Dunnigan (located in Dunnigan, Yolo County, California) was built in 1893 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, #03000613. The Union Church of Dunnigan nonprofit organization (501c3) maintains the free history museum.
The mission of the organization is for the preservation and restoration of The Union Church of Dunnigan building. The primary objective of the Board of Trustees is to oversee the preservation and restoration of the historic building and to maintain the property as a free museum of Yolo County history.
Secondarily, it is our goal to use the property as an event venue to sustain and maintain the historic building.
We invite the Dunnigan community and all Yoloans to participate in this important cause. Too many of our local historical assets have disappeared due to neglect or ambivalence.
The mission of the Union Church of Dunnigan nonprofit organization is the preservation and restoration of the Union Church building.
Our primary objective is to maintain the structure as a free museum of Yolo County history, safeguarding its historical integrity while inviting the public to learn from and engage with the past.
A secondary goal is to utilize the property as an event venue, providing a sustainable way to support continued restoration and community use. By hosting civic and cultural events, we aim to keep the spirit of the building alive and relevant.
We invite all residents of Dunnigan and greater Yolo County to join us in this important work. Too many of our local historical landmarks have been lost due to neglect or ambivalence—together, we can ensure this one remains.
The Union Church of Dunnigan Restoration Project is an ongoing effort to reverse decades of deterioration, preserve this irreplaceable structure, and expand its availability for community use.
Over the years, generous donations and volunteer efforts have made it possible to complete critical, urgent repairs—but much more work is still needed to fully restore the church to its former glory.
This year, for the Big Day of Giving (BDOG), we are turning our attention to one of the most iconic features of the building—the Bell Tower. The original bell still hangs proudly in place, but time and the elements have weakened the structure that supports it.
Donations raised during this campaign will go directly toward stabilizing and restoring the Bell Tower, preserving its legacy and ensuring it continues to serve as a symbol of community for generations to come.
Help us ring the bell once more—be part of history in the making.
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Restoring and reopening the Union Church of Dunnigan as a usable venue would offer a wide range of benefits for both the Dunnigan community and greater Yolo County. Here are several key ways the community would benefit:
1. Preserving Local History and Identity
• The Union Church is one of the last historic structures in Dunnigan—renewing it preserves the cultural identity of the town.
• It offers a tangible connection to the past, helping residents, especially younger generations, understand their local heritage.
2. A Gathering Space for the Community
• A restored venue could host community meetings, celebrations, educational events, concerts, town halls, art shows, and more.
• Dunnigan lacks central gathering spaces—this venue could become a hub for civic life, fostering connection and collaboration.
3. Promoting Education
• As a free museum, the church would offer local schools and homeschool groups a meaningful place to learn about California history, architecture, and community development.
• History-themed tours, lectures, and field trips could bring Yolo County’s past to life.
4. Economic Opportunity
• Events held at the venue—weddings, festivals, markets, cultural events—would draw visitors, potentially benefiting local businesses, vendors, and artists.
• It could become a rural tourism attraction, encouraging more people to stop in Dunnigan on their way through Yolo County.
5. Celebrating the Arts
• The space could host live music, theater, storytelling nights, and visual art exhibits, creating opportunities for local talent to perform and share their work.
• A renewed venue promotes creative expression and supports the vibrant artistic culture of the region.
6. Supporting Mental Health and Social Connection
• Regular community gatherings, cultural events, and volunteer opportunities combat isolation and promote social well-being—especially important in rural areas.
• Having a beautiful, historic space to enjoy brings a sense of pride and hope to the community.
7. Sustainability Through Multi-Use
• As a self-sustaining venue, proceeds from events can help fund continued preservation.
• It becomes a living monument, not just a static museum, adapting to the needs of a modern community while honoring its past.
Organization name
Union Church of Dunnigan
2014
Tax id (EIN)
05-0552708
Mission Category
Community Improvement, Capacity Building
Operating Budget
$0-$50,000
Organization Need
Funding: Program, Funding: Unrestricted, In-Kind Donations
Demographics Served
General population
Local Counties Served
Yolo, Sacramento
Address
PO BOX 174Yolo County, CA, US
Sacramento, CA, US
Colusa, CA, US, 95932
CA, US
Napa County, CA, US